“Rock” is perhaps too simple a word for this imposing geological feature. The \u659c\u70ae\u77f3 stands before us. It silently narrates tales of ancient landscapes.
Shenzhen transformed itself. It rose from humble beginnings to become a global hub. Shenzhen started as a small fishing village. It is now a major economic powerhouse. This city is known as the “Silicon Valley of Hardware”. It embodies innovation and growth.
The oldest evidence of humans in Shenzhen dates back to the mid-Neolithic period. Human activity occurred here over 6700 years ago. Shenzhen’s historic counties were first established 1700 years ago. Nantou and Dapeng are historic towns built on the area that is now Shenzhen. They were established more than 600 years ago. The Hakka people have a history in Shenzhen dating back 300 years.
In 214 BC Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China. The area went under the jurisdiction of Nanhai County. It was one of three counties set up in Lingnan. It was assimilated into Zhongyuan culture. In 331 CE the Eastern Jin administration split Nanhai County. Dongguan County was in the south and Bao’an County in the north. Both were under the administration of Dongguan Prefecture.
Nantou became an important hub for trade. Salt and spices in the South China Sea passed through here during the Song Dynasty. The area became known for producing pearls during the Yuan Dynasty. Chinese sailors would pray at a Mazu temple in Chiwan. This was during the early Ming era. They prayed before sailing to Nanyang.
In 1573 the Ming administration dissolved Bao’an County. It established Xin’an County based in Nantou. Xin’an County had authority over regions that would be Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Its economy was based on the production and trade of salt tea spices and rice.
Shenzhen’s strategic location made it a focal point. It evolved from a quiet village to a vital link connecting China to the world. The \u659c\u70ae\u77f3 has witnessed all of this. It has seen merchants sailors and refugees pass by.
Today Shenzhen thrives as a mega-city. It is a center for technology finance and culture. Yet the \u659c\u70ae\u77f3 remains a constant. It is a reminder of the land’s long history. It connects us to the past even as we look towards the future.